Editorial: Getting The Best From 2021

Prayers and best wishes have been offered as essential ingredients to usher in the brand new 2021 Calendar Year, especially by adherents across faiths and beliefs.

For either good or bad, Year 2020 has given full account of itself as one year too many. Needless recounting the events, happenings and ordeals of the outgone year, the lessons learnt must, however, be internalised and put to good use.

While wishing for a better year in all ramifications, we entreat us all to be more sincere and fairer to ourselves and do things better with more realistic approach. As time awaits no one, we should invest the best of every resource into the year, on time.
As government and people, let us be the best role models and offer the very best of ourselves on our beats. We dare not renege or shirk in our roles, responsibilities, duties and obligations as citizens and as leaders.

We saw it all through the challenges, thick and thin of the past year; the first wave of COVID-19 and the nationwide #EndSARS protests in particular. We are implored to tread with caution this year, especially in the face of the second and tougher wave of the deadly Coronavirus, abiding by all laid down protocols, so that we could effectively bid it a final bye in good time and carry on with our normal lives.

We come in peace, resolved to offer you the best in Year 2021. Happy New Year all!

AWAITING THE VACCINES

Grumblings from some states including Oyo, Ogun, Cross River about the allocation of the expected COVID-19 vaccine indicate that a lot of coordination and risk management has to be done.

It is unfortunate that unlike India and South Africa, we were not involved in any way in the research and production processes leading to the vaccination breakthrough. So much for the self-acclaimed Giant of Africa!

Logistics in distribution, storage facilities and safety measures will be decisive right from the point of entry at the ports all the way down. We have to put our best foot forward here and assemble the best coordinating team imaginable.

Transparency at every facet will in addition be essential for effectiveness and to build trust both at home and internationally. In view of the huge trust deficit, this might not be as simple as it sounds. Nevertheless, it has to be done.

Finally, we urge that the health workers and everyone remotely connected to the health sector be given priority. They have sacrificed greatly and must be protected, we must!